Coding a Geometric Star Quilt

In this Unplugged lesson, students will be introduced to Native American Star Quilts and their significance. Then, students will make a 6-pointed star shape on paper. One of the main goals is to discuss the patterns within the shape. These ideas will be key for the online coding portions of the activity later on.

This skill-building lesson provides an opportunity for students to become familiar with the Artist Tool and to build important coding skills. Students learn how the stamping tool works, how to turn x degrees in an angle, and how to use loops. Students will create a simple star shape. By the end of the levels, students will manipulate angle measurements to see the effect on the number of points on the star. Computers allow for accuracy and precision in studying shapes and patterns because images are generated in a matter of seconds instead of relying on hand-drawn shapes.

In the final lesson for this activity, students are ready to build their own Star Quilt. Students will build one point of the star and then loop their code to end up with a 8 point traditional Star Quilt. Star Quilts are meant to be gifted so students can share their project with someone special.